By Namuli N Racheal
Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago and Katabi Town Council leaders, led by Chairman LC3 Ronald Kalema Bassamula Ekkere , have reached a critical agreement to manage garbage disposal in Nkumba Bwaise following the collapse of the Kiteezi Landfill, which resulted in over 21 fatalities and numerous injuries.
On August 13, 2024, Lord Mayor Lukwago, accompanied by his deputy Doreen Nyanjula Nema and several Councilors, convened a meeting with Katabi officials to address the ongoing waste management crisis. The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining key measures to manage the garbage temporarily being dumped in Nkumba Bwaise.
Key provisions of the MoU include:
- Temporary Dumping Agreement: KCCA will utilize Nkumba Bwaise as a temporary dumping site for a period of one month. This measure is aimed at managing the waste resulting from the closure of the Kiteezi Landfill.
- Dust Control Measures: To mitigate the impact of dust on local residents, KCCA will provide a water tank for regular watering of Nkumba Bwaise road.
- Road Grading: The Nkumba Kasenyi road will be graded to serve as an alternative route for garbage trucks, reducing the inconvenience for residents of Nkumba Bwaise.
- Boundary Management: Efforts will be made to ensure that the garbage does not exceed designated boundaries, thus protecting the nearby wetland from contamination.
Lord Mayor Lukwago addressed the media after the meeting, emphasizing the importance of these measures in balancing effective waste management with minimizing disruptions to the local community.
“We recognize the concerns of the residents and are committed to implementing these solutions to manage the current crisis while ensuring that we protect the environment and the well-being of the community,” said Lukwago.
The MoU is seen as a critical step in addressing the immediate challenges posed by the Kiteezi Landfill collapse and aims to provide a temporary solution while longer-term waste management strategies are developed.
